You should have a single or joint honours first degree in Psychology, ideally with a degree class of 2:1 or equivalent. Mature candidates with relevant experience who are not graduates may also gain entry to the certificate level of the course. On successful completion of the certificate course, such candidates would be eligible to progress to the diploma and master’s levels. International applicants will be given individual consideration.
The School of Psychology at the University of Wales, Bangor is one of the top seven 5*A departments in UK Psychology and offers modern degree programmes, which are fully BPS accredited. The School has achieved the highest possible ratings in terms of both research and teaching performance and has invested extensively in a modern teaching, learning and research environment, including brain imaging (MRI) technology. Students have access to state-of-the-art research and computing facilities and the opportunity to study under world-renowned academic staff. The School also boasts a number of prestigious research centres including the Wolfson Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, The Centre for Experimental Consumer Psychology and the Bangor Centre for Developmental Disabilities which, as well as being in the vanguard of academic research in these fields, offer students unique opportunities for project work covering important theoretical and practical elements.
Course Description
This programme is aimed at those wishing to specialise in applied behaviour analysis. The course is designed to develop advanced theoretical and practical knowledge of the basic principles of behaviour analysis and the application of the principles within clinical and research settings.
The programme has been developed by Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) in collaboration with the Behavior Analysts Certification Board (BACB). It covers their entire Task List specifications and is recognised by the BACB as providing the content eligibility criteria necessary to sit the full BCBA exam.
Content and Structure
The course consists of two parts. Part One comprises taught modules designed around the BACB Task List. The first four modules introduce the basic theory and practice of the science and the second four offer more detailed analysis of both applied and research procedures.
On successful completion of Part One, you will proceed to Part Two - a clinical research study, planned and conducted in collaboration with your BCBA-qualified research supervisor.
Teaching, Learning and Assessment
Teaching is done through a combination of taught workshops, seminars, specialised computer-based instructional packages and practical 'hands-on' research experience. We aim to provide a high quality teaching and learning environment that is intellectually stimulating and that uses the principles of behaviour analysis. This requires innovative course content and instructional procedures, measurement of learning, flexible communication among students and staff, and a friendly and supportive environment. Assessment methods include written examinations, oral presentations, case reports, essays, and a research thesis.